Apostate

Source: The Big Book of Backgrounds, adapted to UH

You were once a devout believer in a particular religion, but circumstances led you to renounce your faith, or at least your membership to whichever specific religion you previously subscribed to. You may have left quietly, you may have made a scene, but in any case, the religion you turned away from took note of your disaffiliation and has thus labeled you an apostate. Your experiences along this path have shaped who

you are today.


NOTE: Some backgrounds have options to choose from. Please read carefully. You may not get every proficiency listed below, as some may be a choice between one or the other.

  • Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma
  • Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): History, Persuasion, Religion
  • Tool Proficiencies: One Musical Instrument of choice.
  • Languages: Three Standard and one Exotic language of choice.

  • Background Keepsake: A broken symbol of your abandoned faith (doesn't have to be a literal symbol of a deity)
  • Background Gold: 10gp.

Origin Trait

Origin Leader

You can spend an action inspiring your allies to grant a renown dice to an ally who has used theirs during that adventure. This can be done a number of times per quest equal to half your Proficiency bonus.


Suggested Characteristics

Some questions to consider when determining how this background applies to your character: Do you regret your decision to turn your back on your religion or do you stand firm in your choice? Would you go back if they would let you? Do you resent those who still belong to your erstwhile congregation? Do you still hold to any of the tenets of your faith, or have you abandoned all of it? What made you turn your back on your religion? The teachings? The other believers? Are your former brethren hostile toward you or do they simply mourn your absence?


Personality

Please select TWO from the list below.

d8 Personality Trait
1 I don't talk about my beliefs unless absolutely necessary.
2 Worldly possessions are important- how else do you know how successful you are?
3 There's nothing I can’t accomplish.
4 I am extremely protective of my friends and family.
5 I assume the worst about people until I know better.
6 I do not suffer insults or disrespect lightly.
7 I never apologize for anything.
8 I am always polite- especially to strangers.

Ideal

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Ideal Trait
1 Free Thinking. People should make their own choices about what they believe in.
2 Dogma. One's beliefs should be built around a strict ethos.
3 Benevolence. One's beliefs should serve the greater good.
4 Dominance. Religion can be an effective tool to dominate others.
5 Self-Respect. Mine is the only opinion that matters to me.
6 Independence. I wanted to be an individual- not just another supplicant.

Bond

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Bond Trait
1 I left behind people very important to me when I left my religion.
2 I intend to start my own religion and show people the true path.
3 I hold great respect for anyone who shares my beliefs.
4 I am totally shunned by those of my previous faith when they find out I'm an apostate.
5 I feel compelled to get involved when I meet someone else struggling with their religion's beliefs.
6 Even if I travel far- my home is never far from my thoughts.

Flaw

Please select one from the list below.

d6 Flaw Trait
1 I doze off at inopportune places and times.
2 I usually say the first thing that pops into my head- I have no filter.
3 I try to fix things that aren't broken- often breaking them.
4 My table manners are atrocious.
5 I've been told I’m forgetful- but I don't remember why.
6 Impatience is an art I’ve perfected.